EVE Online box copy perks confirmed

Atari has confirmed to Eurogamer that the box copy of EVE Online that it's releasing next month will come with a few exclusive perks.

The bonuses - usable by both new players and existing subscribers - include 60 days of game time, a special edition ship, a head-start in faction standings and an insider's guide to careers in the space MMO's persistent online universe.

The details first appeared on UK retailer Game's website earlier this week (click on the 'product details' tab). Atari has told Eurogamer that they are genuine.

The special edition ship will be a fast shuttle with increased cargo space. It's the first time CCP has offered an exclusive in-game ship through this kind of promotion, and is doubtless there to make the box appealing to existing players.

For those new to the game, CCP is offering a "career guide" that will clarify what kind of roles are available in the game and offer goals to achieve and valuable advice on making your way in EVE's intimidating world. It's not clear if this will be an in-game tool or a book.

An in-game certificate will grant purchasers instant access to the factional warfare introduced in last year's Empyrean Age expansion, bypassing the need to grind up faction standings before taking part - something existing subscribers will be all too familiar with.

As well as getting 60 days of game time, purchasers will be able to extend a "VIP pass" to friends, offering an extended free trial to the friend and an additional 30 days to the player if the friend subscribes.

Also included, naturally, will be all of the game's free expansions to date - including the next, Apocrypha, which launches on March 10th. Apocrypha will add unexplored space, modular ship designs, a reworked new-player experience and more.